The basic chip shot is used when you find yourself just off the green with no trouble between you and the flag. It is also referred to as the 'chip and run' shot and, for good reason. The correct chip shot should spend 20% in the air and 80% on the ground rolling like a putt towards the hole.
1. Assess The Shot
When assessing the shot, you should be taking the following factors into consideration.
Visualise the shot
The length of the chip shot
The way ball is lying
The surface of the green (soft/firm) and also the terrain between your ball and the hole
All of these points are important and will help you with your club selection as the basic chip shot can be played with anything between a 7 iron and a wedge.
Just remember, the further you are away from the flag, the less loft is required; the closer you are, the more loft is required.
Chipping Technique The way you address the ball when playing the chip shot is very important.
2. Clubface Aim and Grip
Grip the club as you would with any other long game shot but to aid control, grip further down, ie towards the steel/graphite part of the club.The feet should be close together, a little open to the target, with the ball played back in the stance just inside the right heel. Shoulders should be square to the target. Your hands should be well forward opposite your left thigh and about 70% of your weight on your left side. Adopting this address position is going to help you execute a good chip shot.
3. The Swing
When hitting the chip shot all your weight should remain on your left side. The swing itself is mainly a hand and arm movement with no wrist action. The distance of the shot is controlled by length of the backswing.
The back swing and the through swing should mirror each other and remember, to accelerate through the shot and be aggressive. Another very important point when hitting the chip shot is that the hands should always stay in front of the club head; if you allow the club head to pass the hands, it will result in a scooping action and bad shots will occur.
4. Practice Drill
Practice chipping to different targets. This will improve your feel for each shot, it will also help with your club selection
